The American Chemical Society (ACS) student chapter at Waynesburg University was recently selected to receive the “Outstanding Award” for the fifth consecutive year. The award is a result of the chapter’s activities conducted during the 2015-16 academic year.

The congratulatory letter from ACS President Donna Nelson read as follows: “Professors Evonne Baldauff and Robert LaCount, faculty advisors of the chapter, deserve special commendation. Few faculty members are willing to make the great commitment of time and energy that a successful chapter requires. Professor Baldauff and Professor LaCount’s efforts certainly represent the best in undergraduate science education and mentoring around the country. We extend our warmest congratulations to the students and Professors Baldauff and LaCount for setting such a fine example for other chapters and being exemplary chemistry ambassadors!”

More than 400 student chapter reports were submitted for review by The Society Committee on Education. As a result of the reports, 284 awards were given, including 46 outstanding, 93 commendable and 145 honorable mention awards.

“One of the highlights of my job is working with this group of students,” said Dr. Evonne Baldauff, associate professor of chemistry and chair of the Department of Chemistry and Forensic Science at Waynesburg University. “They undertake an extraordinary amount of work in addition to their regular courses to plan and host numerous events throughout the academic year to benefit the campus and community. I’m so proud of these students and all of the quality work that they accomplish.”

Led by Baldauff and Dr. Robert LaCount, professor emeritus of chemistry, the student chapter was highly involved in campus and community outreach activities throughout the year, such as monthly labs for homeschooled students, a Haunted Lab open to the campus and local community, among many others. The chapter recently implemented a new program in which local high school classes receive supplemental instruction in chemistry in Waynesburg University labs.

Waynesburg and the other award winning chapters will be honored at the 253rd ACS National Meeting in San Francisco, California in April 2017.

ACS is a congressionally independent membership organization which represents professionals at all degree levels and in all fields of chemistry and sciences that involve chemistry.

Founded in 1849 by the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Waynesburg University is located on a traditional campus in the hills of southwestern Pennsylvania, with three additional sites located in the Pittsburgh region. The University is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) and is one of only 21 Bonner Scholar schools in the country, offering local, regional and international opportunities to touch the lives of others through service.

The walk-through event is open to the public and will showcase over 20 interactive demonstrations and activities geared toward a K-12 audience, though undergraduates are also welcome to attend.

“Haunted Lab brings professors and ACS students together to work on one large, unique event that can benefit the community,” said Kristen Wilson, senior chemistry major and president of the ACS student chapter. “The attendees walk through our labs, which will be decorated for Halloween, to experience fun, but ‘spooky’ demonstrations that show them that science can be fun, interactive and exciting.”

The event is designed to promote science education by showcasing fun and exciting demonstrations and hands-on activities.

“We get the opportunity to share our love of chemistry and science through an event that promotes Waynesburg University, science and community interaction through service,” said Wilson.

For more information, contact Dr. Evonne Balduaff, associate professor of chemistry and chair of the Department of Chemistry and Forensic Science, at 724-852-7617 or ebaldauf@waynesburg.edu.

Founded in 1849 by the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Waynesburg University is located on a traditional campus in the hills of southwestern Pennsylvania, with three additional sites located in the Pittsburgh region. The University is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) and is one of only 21 Bonner Scholar schools in the country, offering local, regional and international opportunities to touch the lives of others through service.

The Waynesburg University American Chemical Society chapter (ACS) was instrumental in planning undergraduate programming at the recent ACS Central Eastern Regional Meeting (CERM) held Wednesday, Oct. 29, through Saturday, Nov. 1, at the Doubletree Hotel in Greentree, Pa.

“Planning all of the undergraduate programming for CERM 2014 was a great opportunity for our ACS chapter,” said Evonne Baldauff, chairperson for the chemistry and forensic science department and associate professor of chemistry at Waynesburg University. “Our students were instrumental in designing, organizing and implementing all of the undergraduate events during this meeting.”

Prior to the event, the ACS chapter wrote a grant and was awarded $2,800 from the ACS undergraduate office. The monetary award was used to plan and fund the meeting.

Five sessions were offered for students during Friday’s event including an undergraduate research poster session, a networking and resume luncheon, a workshop on how to be a successful student chapter, a keynote speaker and a social event for the students.

“This proved to be a significant amount of work, yet the results were worth the effort,” Baldauff said. “The activities were successful and well-attended by undergraduates from a wide representation of colleges and universities in the region. We are very pleased with the overall experience.”

Waynesburg University students involved in planning CERM 2014:

•Andrew Heinle, a senior forensic science major from Brackenridge (Highlands High School)

Waynesburg University’s American Chemical Society (ACS) student chapter was recently selected to receive the “Outstanding Chapter Award” from the American Chemical Society for the fifth consecutive year. The award is a result of the chapter’s activities conducted during the 2012-13 academic year.

More than 400 student chapter annual activity reports were reviewed by the Society Committee on Education (SOCED). As a result of the reports, 280 awards were given, including 44 “Outstanding,” 85 “Commendable,” and 151 “Honorable Mention” awards. Waynesburg University was one of only 44 chapters selected to receive the “Outstanding Award.”

Under the direction of Dr. Robert LaCount, professor emeritus of chemistry at Waynesburg University, and Dr. Evonne Baldauff, assistant professor of chemistry and chair of the Department of Chemistry at Waynesburg University, the ACS student chapter was highly involved in campus and community outreach activities throughout the year such as monthly labs for homeschooled students, a Haunted Lab open to the campus and local community and the Food Chemistry and Green Chemistry programs offered to local Girl Scout members, among many others.

Student chapter members also provide service to the department, work to foster community within the group through social events offered throughout the academic year, and participate in National Chemistry Week including volunteering at ChemFest at the Carnegie Science Center and hosting the Periodic Table of Cupcakes on campus.

The congratulatory letter from ACS President Tom Barton read as follows: “Professors Evonne Baldauff and Robert LaCount, faculty advisors of the chapter, deserve special commendation. Few faculty members are willing to make the great commitment of time and energy that a successful chapter requires. Professor Baldauff and Professor LaCount’s efforts certainly represent the best in undergraduate science education and mentoring around the country. We extend our warmest congratulations to the students and Professors Baldauff and LaCount for setting such a fine example for other chapters and being exemplary chemistry ambassadors!”

Waynesburg University’s American Chemical Society’s Student Chapter will host its annual Haunted Lab event Tuesday, Oct. 28. The event will take place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in Stewart Science Hall on the campus of Waynesburg University. Admission is free, and the public is cordially invited to attend.

Designed to promote science education by showcasing fun and exciting demonstrations, all ages can benefit from this event. Participants will be guided throughout the experiment and activity stations run by University students and faculty members.

“From glowing slime to rainbow flames, the Haunted Lab offers a unique opportunity to explore more than 25 Halloween themed demonstration and activities performed by Waynesburg University faculty and students,” said Dr. Evonne Baldauff, assistant professor of chemistry and chair of the Chemistry and Forensic Science Department.